Red Cross pleads for blood

By
Staff
Report

POSTED:March 27, 2007 5:13 a.m.

ATLANTA — Tornados that hit Georgia and Alabama last week are taxing an already-low blood supply and donations are needed, say officials of the American Red Cross.Currently at Red Cross headquarters there is less than a one-day supply of type 0 and type B blood, which are the types in greatest demand in hospital emergency rooms.“We sent 75 units of type 0 blood to Alabama last night and want to be prepared for further requests from Alabama hospitals as well as from hospitals in South Georgia, where people are recovering from severe tornados,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor services of American Red Cross Blood Services Southern Region. “Due to storm damage, several blood drives had to be cancelled today and our Columbus Donor Center is closed through the weekend. This means we need more blood donors across Georgia to step up to help their neighbors in these areas that sustained so much damage.”The blood donor center in Savannah is at 25 Tibet Ave.Blood donors must be 17 years old or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Because blood cells replace themselves, people can safely donate every 56 days. To make a donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE. (448-3543).